Conclusion:

The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk 3TB external hard drive performs close to the limit of USB 2.0. This drive can be used with systems today, and when you are ready to jump to USB 3.0 the speed will increase dramatically with no need to change drives or transfer your data. If you're ready for USB 3.0 performance now, Seagate offers a kit to make things very easy. In addition to USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and FireWire, the GoFlex system gives Seagate flexibility to develop other adapters as necessary (maybe eSATA, Wireless USB, NAS, etc).

3TB is alot of drive space, and Seagate is currently the only manufacturer that offers a single drive solution at this capacity. With digital movies, games, music, pictures, and home videos taking up more space every day that amount of space is needed by many users.



The biggest issue I have with the GoFlex is the cost of the adapters. Starting around $39.99, they can be a little costly. For most people, USB 3.0 is brand new and is not in their computer. The USB 3.0 kit is double the price of the USB 3.0 adapter, but keep in mind that the USB 3.0 kit includes a PCI-Express x1 USB 3.0 card. With a 3TB drive, filling it will take a long time via USB 2.0, so I would have to recommend picking up the USB 3.0 kit along with the drive; the speed increase it provides is well worth the price.

The model that was reviewed here is currently out of stock at Newegg.com, where the price is $219.99. The 1TB and 2TB versions are presently available at Newegg.com for $109.99 and $139.99 respectively. Add on any additional connectors and the price will go up from there.

Everything that the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk offers helps to earn the 3TB model the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award. The FreeAgent GoFlex Desk receives this award due to its great performance, flexible connection options, impressively large capacity, and 2 year warranty.



Pros:

» Future proof
» 3TB of storage in a single drive design
» Fast transfer rates
» PC/MAC compatible
» 2 year warranty
» Includes back-up software with encryption capabilities

Cons:

» Need to purchase separate connection adapters
» Have to carry cables and adapters for different scenarios
» Adapter kits can be costly ($39.99 and higher)
» No AES encryption
» Limited back-up software included

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